During the years 1979-1982 we treated by argon laser photocoagulation 863 eyes of 551 patients affected by peripheral retinal degenerations and breaks. No case of progression to retinal detachment has been registered so far. In the same period, we treated 42 patients affected by retinal detachment of different topography (three posterior pole and 39 peripheral detachments) and size (mostly limited detachments, 12 as large as a quadrant, two larger than a quadrant). In 41 of these 42 eyes, the retina is still firmly attached after a 1- to 4-year follow-up, while in one case it was necessary to proceed surgically following a relapse. While argon laser photocoagulation is certainly the first choice treatment of retinal degenerations and breaks, it also appears to be a reliable alternative to scleral buckling in the management of specific cases of retinal detachment.

The authors have been using an argon laser photocoagulator equipped with a green filter for about 21/2 years. Compared to the usual blue-green argon laser, the advantage of such an instrument is that green radiation is not absorbed to any significant degree by macular pigment. This ensures a selective action on hemoglobin and pigment epithelium. The green wavelength appears to be extremely useful in the management of macular disorders. The authors report the criteria they follow and the technique they use in the treatment of subretinal neovascular membranes and of macular edema arising from different retinal vascular disorders.